It is safe to say that the pandemic completely changed life for a lot of us. The bedroom became the new office, work-life balance became feasible albeit difficult, thousands of people quit their jobs, and home prices skyrocketed all across the country. With all the turmoil and change across the country, unique opportunities have come about where employers will pay you to move.
An increasing number of cities are beginning to offer money to bring remote talent to them, especially after the pandemic has forced everyone to rethink and evaluate what remote work looks like for our society and companies. If your job allows you to work from home, it might not be a bad idea to add a little extra cash into your pocket for doing so.
These 10 locations will pay you to move with your families to live and work! If you are looking for something new or maybe just a way to increase your financial margin, you might just be in luck.
1) Arkansas
The Northwest Arkansas Council is shelling $10,000 to recruit remote workers to live and work there. It is has been voted as one of the best places to live in America thanks to its meager cost of living, outdoor activities, great culture and cuisines, and per capita income that is 14% higher than the national average. The Northwest Arkansas region offers a unique opportunity for those who are selected and looking to escape the busy cities and suburbs.
2) Oklahoma
Tulsa, Oklahoma has become highly aggressive in attracting remote workers to the area. In 2018, Tulsa began to start offering individuals $10,000 to move and live there with the Tulsa Remote program. Tulsahas already begund to expand their program with a new incentive to help make ownership a reality with $10,000 toward a downpayment. With the average home price of just $157,000 in Tulsa, that $10,000 covers almost 30% of your down payment!
3) West Virginia
Thanks to West Virginia’s Ascend program, they are offering $12,000 plus a year free of outdoor recreation for moving to the state, no strings attached! If you enjoy the great outdoors and want to experience more of what nature has to offer, this could be for you. The application is looking for remote workers who can bring their business/work to West Virginia.
4) Alabama
The Shoals, Alabama will pay you $10,000 in the first year for moving to this beautiful area. The eligibility requirements are:
- Minimum yearly income of $52,000
- Move within six months
- Full-time remote or self-employment outside the area
- 18 years or older
If this is you, you might want to consider this opportunity seriously. Experience a wide variety of culinary experiences, outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and golfing, shopping, music, and nightlife.
5) Spain
Ponga, Spain is a beautiful village located in Spain’s Asturias region, which has stunning natural features that will pay you to move. They do however have one major problem, it lacks enough people to sustain the population with only 800 inhabits to its name! Because of this, there is an opportunity for young couples to move there and get paid 3,000 euros, with an extra 3,000 euros awarded for every child they have. One major catch is that you must live in the area for 5 years. If you are drawn to adventure and a very low cost of living, this might be for you!
6) Switzerland
Albinen, The beautiful mountain town in Switzerland is so desperate for new life in their village they have voted to pay each new adult who moves their $25,000 plus an additional $10,000 for each child the couple has. So for a family of four this alpine village pays $70,000 to make Switzerland your new home. With this type of many being paid out, there are a few requirements:
- You must be younger than 45
- Agree to live in the village for 10 years
- Have to build or live in a house that cost at least $200,000
This small town hopes to entice 10 families over the next few years, and competition is fierce, so hurry and apply if you are interested in this unique opportunity.
7) Kansas
Topeka, Kansas, pays up to $15,000 for you to move through the Choose Topeka program. The program pays up to $10,000 for renting in the first; year and up to $15,000 for a home purchase. Plus, Jimmy John’s is offering an extra $1,000 if you relocate to one of its three delivery zones. Yes, that is not a joke. You get paid to move near a Jimmy John’s. Plus with the average family home cost of $125,000, that down payment can go a long way!
Choose Topeka Remote Requirements are:
- Your employer must be located outside of Shawnee County
- Minimum 3 month waiting period
- One relocation incentive per household
- Eligible to work in the U.S.
Choose Topeka On-Site Requirements:
- Confirm with your employer if they participate in the Choose Topeka relocation incentive
- Move for a full time position to Topeka
- Purchase or rent a home within a year of the move
8) Vermont
Vermont is the next state on our list that will pay you to move. They offer specific grants, such as the New Relocating Worker Grant and the New Remote Worker Grant. Both of these grants offer up to $7,500 in relocation expenses to encourage workers to move to Vermont and either work from home or work for Vermont employers.
Requirements for the grants for 2022 are:
- Relocated to Vermont, became a full-time resident; and
- Is working full time remotely for an out-of-state employer from a home office or coworking space located within VT; and
- The applicant’s wage equals or exceeds the Vermont livable wage rate as updated 1/15/21 in accordance with 2 V.S.A. §526. Currently this is $13.39 per/hour; and
- Incurred qualified relocation expenses; and
- Is subject to Vermont income tax
9) Alaska
Alaska will pay you to move thanks to the Alaska permanent fund, which is a 65 billion dollar fund managed by a state-owned corporation fueled by oil and gas revenues. All resident are eligible to apply typically earn $2,000 a year from this fund. Typical residents use this money on things like medical emergencies, travel, student loan payments, and leisure. They do not offer relocation centers but do you pay an ongoing dividend thanks to this fund.
10) Minnesota
Harmony, Minnesota will pay you to move to their beautiful remote town. With a population of 997 and beautiful sites and the added benefit of $12,000 in cash rebates toward the purchase of a new home makes this choice pretty attractive. Harmony is home to Niagara Cave, one of the top ten caves in the United States. With a median home value of $161,378, your 12,000 rebate will make a healthy dent in your down payment.
